Please view a Buffalo Bayou Partnership video that is included in the Giving Library, an on-line fundraising library created by Houston’s Laura and John Arnold Foundation. 

In 1984 Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire appointed a task force to study Buffalo Bayou and to develop a realistic strategy for its development. The result of the task force’s two-year effort was the Buffalo Bayou Master Plan, published in 1986. In addition to outlining conceptual redevelopment designs for Buffalo Bayou, the task force proposed the establishment of a non-profit authority to implement its recommendations.

Created in 1986, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a coalition of civic, environmental, governmental and business representatives whose director nominees are confirmed by the Mayor of Houston and Harris County Judge. The 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation is transforming and revitalizing Buffalo Bayou, Houston's greatest natural resource

For one quarter century, BBP has been actively pursuing plans and programs for a 10-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou. Directed by the Buffalo Bayou and Beyond Master Plan, over the past 15 years alone the organization has raised and leveraged more than $80 million for Buffalo Bayou’s revitalization. The organization’s major accomplishments include: Sesquicentennial Park ($23 million), Allen's Landing ($4 million), Sabine Promenade ($12 million), hike and bike trails ($2 million and a $2 million pledge), and land acquisition for the future creation of parks and open space ($20 million - 45 acres).

Recent successes include:  

-Publishing the Buffalo Bayou Park Shepherd to Sabine Master

Plan.   

-Securing nearly $1 million in funding from Texas Parks and

Wildlife grant for Buffalo Bend Nature Park (BBNP) Phase II, located in the East End.  Improvements include site amenities and land acquisition, which will connect this 10-acre passive use site to the City of Houston Hidalgo Park.  Once complete, over 23-acres of public greenspace will be assembled along Buffalo Bayou.

-Restoring Tapley Tributary, including renovation of the

historic turtle pond, sediment removal and planting native understory and canopy trees to reclaim valuable urban habitat and attract migratory birds. 

-Engaging more than 1,700 volunteers in bayou restoration

focusing on three urban tributaries.

-Removing over 10,000 cubic yards of trash and debris from the

bayou’s waters through our skimmer boat and Clean & Green Program.

-Attracting over 15,000 Houstonians and visitors to the banks

of Buffalo Bayou by sponsoring the annual Buffalo Bayou Regatta, KBR Kids Day, BAYOU BASH, kayak and pontoon boat tours, and numerous music and film events, in addition to thousands of recreational users. 

In 2011, there are many wonderful initiatives underway and a great sense of support for the transformation and revitalization of Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s greatest natural resource.